KUCHING: Today Sarawak is officially reopening its schools but for students sitting for public examinations and equivalent international examinations only.
The students include those sitting for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Vokasional Malaysia (SVM), Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan (STPM) and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) as well as equivalent international examinations.
The reopening of schools will strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the government to curb the transmission of Covid-19.
In an interview with New Sarawak Tribune yesterday, Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union (KGBS) president Ahmad Malie elaborates on the SOPs for school sessions under the ‘new normal’.
Q: Senior Minister (Education), Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin announced that the Ministry of Education (MoE) has prepared and distributed the School Reopening Management Guidelines to schools as a guide so that detailed preparations are carried out before reopening. How do you find the guidelines so far?
Ahmad: KGBS wishes to thank MoE for providing the guidelines. The distribution of the document was timely and served as a reference to ensure school operations in the post Covid-19 environment were uniform and consistent.
Q: After looking at the contents of the guidelines, some netizens pointed out that the content was excessive and complicated. What is KGBS’s view on this?
Ahmad: There is no denying that there was a lot of information but to ensure the safety of the school’s staff, KGBS believes it is necessary. The school institution is a premise involving many people and I think the comprehensive guidelines were important.
Q: Are the teachers ready to implement the SOPs effectively?
Ahmad: I am 100 percent sure that the teachers will observe the SOPs effectively. They will be briefed holistically by their principals or the headmasters. I am confident they will make sure that SOPs are adhered during the school sessions.
The teachers should know by now that these guidelines are part of the ‘new normal’ in the education arena and must be implemented not only currently but also for years to come.
Q: Will the guidelines be viewed as a burden on teachers?
Ahmad: The role and responsibility of a teacher are comprehensive. Teachers not only teach knowledge in terms of academics but are also responsible in entrusting knowledge of everyday life.
In recognising such role and responsibility, a teacher should not complain about a task that is perceived as exhausting or burdensome because they have been trained to perform their duties and roles regardless of fatigue and exhaustion in order to ensure their disciples will be educated smoothly and become successful in the future.
Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic needs to be viewed in a positive way to motivate teachers to provide the best service to their students.
Q: What do you think about the reopening of schools starting June 24?
Ahmad: KGBS welcomes the announcement made by the Senior Minister of Education previously. With the reopening in stages, we can focus on the students sitting for examinations. The first phase of the reopening of schools will only involve Form Five and Form Six students while the other students will continue to stay at home until further notice from MoE.
Q: What do you think about the teachers’ preparation in complying with the SOPs when the schools reopen?
Ahmad: Based on the responses we received from several schools, KGBS believes that the school staff and teachers will comply with the SOPs. Schools have begun preparing their premises in accordance to the SOPs.
Q: What are your hopes and advice for the teachers?
Ahmad: KGBS hopes the teachers wil be able to perform their duties in accordance with the ‘new normal’ practice. I am confident that teachers will always prioritise SOP compliance for everyone’s safety and health.
When schools reopen, teachers will be directly involved in the frontline workforce. I believe all teachers are ready to take on this heavy responsibility. Finally, KGBS is grateful to the teachers for their sacrifices in ensuring that education continues despite the many challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
